Why It's a Great Department:
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is a “full-service agency” that provides law enforcement, jail, court security, and civil processing services to all areas of unincorporated Pierce County.

The Sheriff’s Department is comprised of 638 commissioned law enforcement and corrections staff and 67 civilian personnel. Together, these dedicated employees support our 4 bureaus, including Administrative Services, Corrections, Criminal Investigations, and Patrol.

You will join the Animal Control Unit located at the Sheriff’s Office Parkland - Spanaway Precinct in Tacoma, WA. We encourage you to learn more about our department by clickinghere.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:
A career with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is your opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day as each employee plays a role in supporting our mission to protect life and property, uphold rights, and work in partnership to build strong, safe communities.

This rewarding and vital position provides a broad range of animal control services to unincorporated Pierce County and to contract cities. This position enforces animal related laws, responds to complaints and investigates cases of animal cruelty, neglect and dangerous animals. Animal Control Officers handle a variety of animals such as dogs, cats, livestock and exotic pets.

The Animal Control Unit is an eight-person team who work four ten-hour shifts with rotating days off. Shifts are primarily day shift with required on-call to allow for 24/7 coverage. This is not a remote or hybrid position as employees are expected to work from one of the Sheriff Department Animal Control districts or office.

Come join the Pierce County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Unit!

How to be Successful in the Role:
A successful candidate will join the team with the ability to exercise good judgement, collaborate, stay focused during disruptions, provide attention to detail, multi-task, and positively engage with citizens and employees in the Sheriff's Office, County and various other agencies. This person will provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers. Must be able to work independently and as a team member to complete assignments. A willingness to learn and a desire to help and support your co-workers in a fast-paced environment will be the key to your success.

Your Future in this Role:
You will gain a broad knowledge of the department and have access to LinkedIn Learning to further your growth.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Apprehend, control and transport to confinement loose, unlicensed, injured, abandoned or dangerous animals, both domestic animals and livestock.
Investigate reports of animal cruelty and vicious animals.
Enforce animal care and control ordinances, including issuing citations and warnings.
Respond to citizen calls for service, complaints and requests from other agencies.
Explain laws, policies and procedures to the general public.
Assist in resolving conflicts between parties involving animal care and control issues including, but not limited to, property damage, barking, cruelty, degree of animal confinement, potential or actual danger and injury to or by animals.
Complete bite reports for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Inspect kennels within Pierce County.
Issue notices of violations; issue hearing notices; act as process server; testify at hearings and in court.
Prepare written and verbal reports involving animal care and control cases.
Create, monitor and maintain case files.

Click on Animal Control Officer for a classification/job description with a more detailed list of essential functions, competencies, physical demands and working conditions/environment. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:

A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.
United States citizenship, lawful permanent resident or DACA recipient, and the ability to speak, read and write the English language as required by RCW 41.14.100 is required.
Animal handling experience is desirable.
Must have a valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment and be able to provide proof of insurability.
Ability to successfully complete Pierce County Sheriff's Office background investigation, which will include, but is not limited to
- Reference Checks
- Personal Interviews
- Oral Board Interview
- Polygraph Examination
- Submission of Fingerprints
- Work History Check
- Criminal, Driving, and Financial History Checks
- Post-Offer behavioral assessment
- Post-Offer Medical Examination
Successful completion of the Animal Control Officer Academy is required as a condition of continued employment.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER:

After the closing date, qualified applicants will receive an email with a link to an experience and training assessment.
Individuals attaining a passing score of 70% or higher on the Animal Control Officer examination will be placed on the Civil Service register in order of final score.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE / SCORING CRITERIA: Veteran's Scoring Criteria will be granted in accordance with RCW 41.04. IF YOU ARE CLAIMING VETERAN'S SCORING CRITERIA, PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR MILITARY "DD FORM 214 MEMBER- 4"* TO THE APPLICATION.

Candidates will be referred from the register to fill vacant positions occurring within one (1) year from the date the name is placed on the register.
All Sheriff Office employees serve a one (1) year probationary period.
If you have a question about this opportunity, please email Civil Service at PCCivilService@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
Individuals needing accommodation in the application or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

ATTENTION: All communication from Pierce County Civil Service is sent by email using the email address listed on your application. This may include communication that contains confidential or private information such as exam results and reasons for removal, etc. You are responsible for keeping your email address updated.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?

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